Vent Pipe De-Icer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vent pipe de-icing system that has a first external pipe, a first internal pipe, a second external pipe and a second internal pipe. The external pipes sit above the top surface of a vent pipe, and the internal pipes sit within the vent pipe. The internal pipes are connected to a hot water tank and or pump that pumps hot water or other heated fluid through the pipes such that the heated fluid exits the external pipes and falls into the inside surface of the vent pipe. In this manner, the device can be used to continuously defrost or de-ice a vent pipe and prevent ice from forming. The device can further be controlled via a mobile application, which allows a user to control when and how much fluid is pumped within the device.

Claims

1. A de-icing fluid circulating device comprising: a pair of pipes each having a first end, a second end and a curved portion to circulate a de-icing fluid into an opening; a pump for circulating the de-icing fluid from a reservoir; a battery connected to the pump; and a tubing connecting each of the pair of pipes to one of the pump and the reservoir, wherein the de-icing fluid circulating device is connected to a vent pipe that is connected to an exterior surface of a structure.

2. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 1, wherein the vent pipe is connected to one of a sewer, a septic system, a bathroom exhaust fan or a drier vent.

3. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 1, wherein the de-icing fluid comprises one of a water, an air or agas.

4. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 3, wherein the de-icing fluid further comprises a glycol, an alcohol, an antifreeze or a combination thereof.

5. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a heater connected to the reservoir.

6. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a first extension pipe and a second extension pipe positioned within the vent pipe.

7. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 6, wherein the first and second extension pipes are attached to the pair of pipes.

8. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 7, wherein the first and second extension pipes attach to the pair of pipes through one of a threaded connection or a snap connection.

9. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a smart phone in communication with the pump to control operation of the pump.

10. The de-icing fluid circulating device as recited in claim 9 further comprising a thermometer in communication with the smart phone to monitor a temperature for purposes of activating the pump.

11. A de-icing system and vent pipe combination comprising: a vent pipe mounted to a surface of a structure; a first extension pipe disposed within the vent pipe; a second extension pipe disposed within the vent pipe, wherein each of said first and second pipes comprises a curved end; a reservoir containing a de-icing fluid; a pump connected to the reservoir.

12. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the reservoir supplies the de-icing fluid to the pump and the vent pipe.

13. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 11 further comprising a heater connected to the pump.

14. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the vent pipe is connected to one of a sewer, a septic system, a bathroom exhaust fan or a drier vent.

15. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 11 further comprising a smart phone application in wireless communication with the pump to operate the pump at one of a predetermined interval of time or when a select temperature is achieved.

16. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 15 further comprising a thermometer.

17. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 16, wherein the thermometer triggers the operation of the pump.

18. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the de-icing fluid includes one of a water, an air or a gas.

19. The de-icing system and vent pipe combination as recited in claim 18, wherein the de-icing fluid comprises an alcohol, a glycol, an antifreeze or a combination thereof.

20. A de-icing system kit comprising: a package configured for retail or on-line sales; a set of curved pipes; a set of extension pipes; a thermometer for connection to a vent pipe, the thermometer connects to a smart phone application; a set of clips for holding the set of curved pipes and extension pipes to the vent pipe; a heater; and a set of cords or tubes to connect the set of extension pipes to a heater.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention attached to a vent pipe on a roof in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2B illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a top enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention attached to a vent pipe on a roof in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical representation of the primary functions of a mobile application of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing kit of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that prevents the freezing of septic, sewer, bathroom exhaust and dryer vent pipes. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that allows a user to continuously defrost and prevent the freezing of a vent pipe or to thaw or melt ice building up in a vent pipe. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that allows a user to continuously defrost or prevent the freezing of or building up of ice in a vent pipe. The device is not susceptible to and cannot be rendered inoperable by cloudy or snowy weather conditions or power outages. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vent pipe de-icing device that does not require a user to climb onto his or her roof or otherwise service the vent pipe to defrost or de-ice a vent pipe.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a vent pipe de-icing device. The device has a first external pipe, a first internal pipe, a second external pipe, and a second internal pipe, and the external pipes sit or are positioned above the top surface of a c-vent pipe and the internal pipes sit within the vent pipe. The internal pipes are connected to a hot water tank or heated air supply pump that pumps hot water or supplies heated air through the pipes such that the water or air exits the external pipes and falls into the inside surface of the vent pipe. As a result, the device can be used to continuously defrost or de-ice a vent pipe and prevent ice from forming in the vent pipe. The invention can further be controlled via a mobile application, which allows a user to control when and how much water or air is pumped within the device at one time.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention attached to a vent pipe 12 on a roof 10 in accordance with the disclosed specification. The device 100 includes a first external pipe 110, a first internal pipe 130, a second external pipe 150 and a second internal pipe 170. In differing embodiments, the invention 100 can be applied to an existing septic, sewer, exhaust or dryer vent pipe 12 as a retrofitted assembly, such as one sold in a kit or may include a vent pipe 12 with the other features of the device 100 already integrated into the pipe 12. In either embodiment, the device 100 and all components are preferably manufactured from a durable metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or a durable, flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid plastic such as, but not limited to, an acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc., unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0028] The invention 100 is further comprised of a first external pipe 110 and a second external pipe 150 that sit outside and above the top surface 14 of a vent pipe 12 the device 100 is attached to. Both pipes 110, 150 are hollow, and are oriented generally parallel to the vent pipe 12. Both pipes 110, 150 further curve such that the second ends 126, 166 of each pipe 110, 150 contact one another. The second ends 126, 166 may further be fixedly-attached to one another via a connecting member 140, as best seen in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the connecting member 140 may further be comprised of at least one fastener 630 such as, but not limited to: screw, bolt, nut, etc. that allows the pipes 110,150 to be secured to one another at the connecting member 140, as seen in FIG. 2B. In this manner, one or both pipes 110,150 can be positioned at various locations inside and/or outside a vent pipe 12 when used on vent pipes 12 of various sizes and shapes. The outlets 126, 166 of each pipe may also distribute a heated air supply 131. The end of the pipes 160 may also have a thermometer 133 which connects to a smart phone 127 to determine when the temperature of the pipe surface is at or near freezing and the flow of water or heated air should begin. The fluid circulation devices of the present invention can be used to circulate a fluid such as hot water, heated air or a gas in order to melt pre-existing ice or to prevent ice from building up. The fluid circulation device can include additives to the fluid including antifreeze, glycol, alcohol or combinations thereof.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a top enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. Both external pipes 110, 150 are connect to a first internal pipe 130 and a second internal pipe 170. Both internal pipes 130, 170 are located below each external pipe 110, 150, respectively. In order to allow the first external pipe 110 to attach to the first internal pipe 130 and the second external pipe 150 to attach to the second internal pipe 170, the first end 120 of each pipe 110, 150 has a continuous opening 123, 163 that has a plurality of interior threads 124, 164. The threads 124, 164 then attach to the plurality of corresponding threads 136, 176 located on the continuous opening 134, 174 of the first end 132, 172 of each internal pipe 130, 170. In a differing embodiment, the external pipes 110, 150 may be fixedly and inseparably-attached to the internal pipes 130, 170. The pipes 110 and 150 may also be snap-fit together. It should be noted that in differing embodiments, all pipes 110,150,130,170 may also be present on the outer surface 16 of a vent pipe 12 to allow for the attachment of a hose 180 on the outside of the vent pipe 12.

[0030] In order to ensure the external pipes 110, 150 are retained on the vent pipe 12 during use, the first end 120, 160 of each external pipe 110, 150 may have a generally upside-down L or J-shaped bracket 122, 162. The bracket 122, 162 contacts the top surface 14 and outer surface 16 of the vent pipe 12 in order to further secure each pipe 110, 150 to the vent pipe 12 in a semi-permanent fashion. In an embodiment where the vent pipe 12 is part of the present invention, the pipes 110, 150 may simply be integrally formed to the vent pipe 12 (e.g., inseparable). Further, the exterior surface 1300, 1700 of the internal pipes 130, 170 may have at least one fastener 400 such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener, a waterproof adhesive, a u-shaped clip, a u-shaped bolt, at least one magnet, or combination thereof that allows the pipes 130, 170 to be removably-attached to the inside surface 18 of the vent pipe 12. Internal pipes 130, 170 may further comprise a small drain hole below any point of freezing inside the vent stack to allow supply water to drain back down to prevent freeze up when the device 100 is not in use.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention attached to a vent pipe 12 on a roof 10 in accordance with the disclosed specification. In order to allow the invention 100 to continuously defrost or de-ice the inside surface 18 of a vent pipe 12, hot water or heated air must be pumped or otherwise supplied through the pipes 110, 130, 150, 170. In order to accomplish this, the second ends 138, 178 of both internal pipes 130, 170 may attach to at least one hot water tank or heated air supply 190 with an internal pump or blower 191 via at least one hose/tubing 180 that attaches to each second end 138, 178. Therefore, the tank, pump 190, 191 may constantly supply hot water or heated air 200 to the pipes 110, 130, 150, 170 such that the water or heated air 200 can exit the continuous openings 128, 168 of the external pipes 110, 150 and fall within the vent pipe 12 such that the water or heated air contacts the inside surface 18 of the pipe 12, and prevents any ice from forming or melts any existing ice that may have already built up on the interior. The de-icing system may include a battery backup 141 to provide power to the pump and or heater in the event of a power outage. The vent pipe may also have a flapper valve 135 shown in a closed position and an open position (in phantom) 137. The de-icing system can be used to prevent the flapper valve from being in a closed position. In one embodiment, the device 100 may further comprise one or more drain holes 629 positioned below the frost line, as best shown in FIG. 4, and an attachment for a water supply hose, such as a garden hose. Said drain holes 629 allow water to be drained from the device 100 and may also be incorporated into any structure/component of the device 100 to prevent water from freezing while being pumped through the device 100.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical view of the primary functions of a mobile application 300 of one potential embodiment of a vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. In one embodiment, the pump, tank 190, 191 can be controlled using a mobile application 300. The tank, pump 190, 191 has a transmitter 192 and a processor 194. The transmitter 192 allows the tank, pump 190, 191 to be in electrical communication with the mobile application 300 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular, etc. The mobile application 300, which can be downloaded on any smart device or computer, can be used to control when the tank or pump 190, 191 is operational and pumps hot water or heated air 200.

[0033] The mobile application 300 receives a plurality of weather data from a plurality of weather services, such that the application 300 can configure the tank and pump 190, 191 to only pump water or air 200 when the weather where the device 100 is located falls below a certain temperature such as, but not limited to, 32° Fahrenheit, or when the air temperature, such as where the roof line is located is at or below freezing and the ground temperature remains above freezing. In this manner, the mobile application 300 automatically activates the pump 190 when needed to prevent the freezing of a vent pipe 12 via communicating with the transmitter 192 which then communicates with the processor 194 within the pump 192 that signals to the tank, pump 190, 191 to begin and/or stop pumping. The mobile application 300 may also allow a user to configure the intensity, pressure, flow, and frequency of water or air 200 that enters the pipes 110, 130, 150, 170 in order to allow more or less water or air 200 to be used as needed, based on current weather conditions.

[0034] It should further be appreciated that the at least one pump 190 may be located in any area inside or outside of a home and may be concealed from view. In addition, the device 100 can be used on any septic, sewer, bathroom exhaust, or dryer vent pipe 12, regardless of if the pipe 12 is located on a roof 10 or in another outside area or surface of the structure. Finally, the pump 190 may receive a defrosting chemical in lieu of or in addition to hot water or heated air 200, that can be used to defrost and/or prevent ice from forming within the vent pipe 12.

[0035] FIG. 6 provides a kit 600 to be used in retrofitting the present invention to a vent pipe. The kit 600 includes a package 610 which is configured for retail or on-line sales. Pipes 612, 614 are included for attachment to the pre-existing vent pipe. A thermometer 616 is provided which can be linked to a smart phone with a previously downloaded application for running the inventions after installation. Pump 618 is used to pump either water or heated air through pipes 612 and 614 to melt existing ice or to prevent ice from forming. Clips 620 and 622 are used to hold pipes 612 and 614 in position on the vent pipe and to one another as needed. A heater 626 is provided in order to generate a supply of heated air through the pipes to the vent pipe. One or more cords or tubes 624 may be provided to connect the pump to the heater, and the water supplies to the pipes. One or more additional extension pipes 628 may be provided and are positioned inside the vent pipe and connect to the pipes 612 and 614.

[0036] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “vent pipe de-icing device” and “device” are interchangeable, and refer to the vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention.

[0037] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the vent pipe de-icing device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the vent pipe de-icing device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the vent pipe de-icing device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vent pipe de-icing device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vent pipe de-icing device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0038] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0039] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.